Search

Evaluating Progress with Your Inclusiveness Blueprint

Consider the following two variables as you develop a plan for evaluating the progress you make in implementing the inclusiveness blueprint:

The progress you are making in achieving intended outcomes.

The progress you are making toward completing the steps outlined in the inclusiveness blueprint itself.

Measuring Outcomes An outcome is a specific, measurable result you hope to achieve to become more inclusive. Some outcomes are easier to measure than others.

For example, if the outcome you desire is that at least 40 percent of people served will be from communities of color, then you can probably measure that figure accurately without too much strain on the organization, especially if your organization provides direct services.

However, if the outcome you desire is that your organization's reputation and profile will significantly improve among people of color in your catchment area, that will be harder to measure. It is, of course, possible to measure this outcome; it will just take creativity and financial resources to pay someone to measure attitudes. You also may need to pay someone to take an initial poll of attitudes and then go back to assess whether attitudes have changed over a given period of time, especially if you seek scientifically accurate data. The question is whether you really need to gather scientifically accurate, formal statistical data or not. An alternative method to assess progress made on this type of outcome is to conduct informal surveys, such as the surveys conducted during the information-gathering phase of this website, and to analyze changes in attitudes based on new survey findings. Or your organization might want to pursue using the services of graduate students, who may be willing to work as interns for your organization or for lower rates than professional evaluators.

Your organization should decide how much time, money, and energy to put toward evaluating progress made on outcomes based on a realistic assessment of your available resources.